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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Megan Doherty

Dunlop's own Parly House flagpole

Social media was all aflutter this week with a fair dinkum Aussie front yard in Canberra that even Darryl Kerrigan would be proud to call his own.

Allen Greenwood with this Parliament House flagpole in Dunlop. Picture: Megan Doherty

There was a great sense of mystery about about this amazing phenomenon and who had built it.

Well, we can tell you the front yard actually belongs to Allen Greenwood, and it features a replica of the Parliament House flagpole in the driveway.

Yes. It. Does.

The 64-year-old semi-retired carpenter made the aluminium structure about 10 years ago.

It was built for use at several interstate scout jamborees. It was placed at the entrance to the camping area for the ACT scouts at each location, the unmistakably local landmark marking out the Canberrans' territory.

After it was finished being used by the scouts, Mr Greenwood erected it in the front yard of his home in Archdall Street, Dunlop.

Allen Greenwood is used to the structure turning heads. Picture: Megan Doherty

He says locals already know the flagpole well and he's used to people stopping and taking a photograph.

And their reaction?

"It's usually, 'Why? Why?'," Mr Greenwood said, with a laugh.

He didn't build it because he likes politics or politicians or even Parliament House.

"I'm just a fan of Canberra. I've been here my whole life," he said.

And is he proud of the work?

"I think so, yeah," he said.

And it's a treat at Christmas time when the mini-Parly House flagpole is illuminated with lights to celebrate the festive season.

The real Parliament House flag mast is just a bit bigger, one of the largest stainless steel structures in the world.

Constructed from polished Newcastle steel, the real thing is 81 metres tall and weighs 220 tonnes.

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